Military orders to move can be complex and overwhelming. At Southbay Moving Systems, we understand the unique challenges service members face when relocating.
This guide breaks down the different types of military orders and provides practical advice for a smooth transition. We’ll cover essential preparation steps, financial considerations, and valuable resources to support you throughout your move.
Understanding Different Types of Military Move Orders
Military service members often receive various orders that require relocation. Understanding these orders is essential for a successful move. Let’s explore the main types of military move orders and their implications.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
PCS orders represent the most common type of military move. These orders involve a long-term relocation to a new duty station. PCS moves can occur within the continental United States (CONUS) or outside (OCONUS). The Defense Department began moving some service members during the peak season for permanent change of station moves, which runs from mid-May through Labor Day. These relocations typically require full household goods shipments and can take several months to complete.
Temporary Duty (TDY)
TDY orders involve short-term assignments, usually lasting less than 180 days. The military issues these orders for training, conferences, or temporary assignments at other locations. TDY moves don’t typically require full household goods shipments, but service members should pack essentials for extended periods away from home.
Deployment Orders
The military issues deployment orders to send service members to operational areas (often in foreign countries) for extended periods. These orders can last from a few months to over a year. Unlike PCS moves, deployments don’t usually involve moving household goods. However, service members might need to store their belongings if they vacate their current residence.
Separation and Retirement Orders
These orders mark the end of a service member’s active duty. They involve a final move from the last duty station to a chosen destination. The military typically covers the cost of this move, but strict timelines and weight allowances apply.
Each type of military order comes with its own set of regulations, allowances, and challenges. Service members should read and understand their orders thoroughly. If any aspect of the move seems unclear, it’s advisable to consult with the unit’s transportation office or a professional moving company experienced in military relocations (such as Southbay Moving Systems).
Now that we’ve covered the different types of military move orders, let’s explore how to prepare for these relocations effectively.
How to Prepare for Your Military Move
Decode Your Orders
The first step in preparing for a military move is to read and understand your orders thoroughly. Focus on your report date, the location of your new duty station, and any specific instructions. Your moving process will start with the job/travel orders you receive from your agency. In your orders, you’ll find information describing your new position title and other important details. If any details confuse you, ask your chain of command or the base transportation office for clarification.
Create a Detailed Timeline
After you grasp your orders, create a moving timeline. Work backward from your report date. Allocate time for tasks such as scheduling your move with the transportation office, sorting and packing your belongings, and arranging for travel. Plan for unexpected delays.
Plan My Move, Military OneSource’s online moving tool, can help you make smoother work of an overseas PCS. Answer a few simple questions to get started with your planning.
Organize Essential Documents
Proper document management is key for a smooth military move. Create a dedicated moving binder or digital folder to keep all your important papers in one place. Include:
- Your orders (multiple copies)
- Military ID and other identification documents
- Medical and dental records
- School transcripts for children
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates
- Vehicle registration and insurance documents
- Housing documents (lease agreements, mortgage papers)
Pro tip: Scan these documents and store them in a secure cloud service as a backup. This ensures you have access to them even if physical copies are misplaced during the move.
Notify Relevant Parties
As soon as you receive your orders, start notifying the necessary parties about your impending move. This includes your current landlord or base housing office, your children’s schools, and any local services you use regularly.
For schools, request copies of your children’s records and research educational options at your new location. Many school districts have liaison officers specifically for military families who can assist with the transition.
If you live off-base, give your landlord proper notice as per your lease agreement. For those in base housing, check with the housing office about move-out procedures and timelines.
Seek Professional Assistance
Consider enlisting the help of professional movers experienced in military relocations. Companies with experience in military moves can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process. They offer services tailored to the unique needs of service members and their families, ensuring a smoother transition to your new duty station.
As you prepare for your military move, it’s important to consider the financial aspects of relocation. Let’s explore the various allowances and reimbursements available to service members in the next section.
How Much Will Your Military Move Cost?
Moving Allowances and Reimbursements
The military provides various allowances to offset the costs of your move. These include the Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE). The DLA is a one-time payment paid at a flat rate for a qualifying event, while the TLE assists with temporary housing costs before and after your move.
The Defense Travel Management Office sets DLA rates based on rank and dependency status. These funds can significantly ease the financial burden of relocation.
TLE typically covers up to 10 days of temporary lodging. The amount depends on your location and family size. Always keep detailed records of your expenses to ensure proper reimbursement.
Managing Moving Expenses
Despite these allowances, you may still face out-of-pocket expenses. Create a detailed budget that accounts for potential costs like:
- Travel expenses (gas, meals, hotels)
- Pet relocation fees
- Vehicle shipping (if moving overseas)
- Home-finding trips
- Deposits for utilities at your new location
Set aside an additional 10-15% of your estimated moving costs for unexpected expenses. This buffer can provide peace of mind during your transition.
Maximizing Your Benefits
To make the most of your military moving benefits:
- Attend pre-move briefings offered by your installation. These sessions often provide valuable information about available allowances and how to claim them.
- Consider a Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move. With a PPM, you may use your own vehicle, a rental or a borrowed vehicle. You’re entitled to travel allowances, per diem and mileage through the government.
- Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to track your shipment and file claims if necessary. This system streamlines the process and helps ensure you receive all entitled reimbursements.
- Keep all receipts related to your move, no matter how small. These documents are essential for claiming reimbursements and can be helpful during tax season (especially for PPM moves).
Proper planning and documentation are key to maximizing your benefits and minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. The military provides substantial financial support for relocations, but understanding and utilizing these resources effectively requires careful attention to detail and proactive management.
Final Thoughts
Military orders to move present unique challenges, but service members can navigate these transitions successfully with proper understanding and preparation. Early planning proves essential, from decoding orders to creating timelines and organizing crucial documents. Financial considerations play a significant role, requiring careful attention to allowances, reimbursements, and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
The Defense Personal Property System and Military OneSource offer valuable support for all aspects of military relocations. Your installation’s transportation office can provide guidance specific to your situation. We at Southbay Moving Systems understand the complexities of military moves and offer personalized services to assist with your transition.
Our expertise in packing, storage, and transportation makes us a reliable partner for service members and their families during this significant life event. A successful military move becomes achievable through proper planning, utilization of available resources, and support from experienced professionals. You can turn your military orders to move into an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
